NIWA to Upgrade Dilapidated Jetties, Phase Out Unsafe Boats, Deepen Private Sector Collaboration

Board assesses Lagos operations and infrastructure priorities

The Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Barrister Mukhtar Shehu Shagari, reaffirmed the Authority's commitment to upgrading dilapidated infrastructure, phasing out unsafe boats, strengthening waterway safety enforcement and deepening private sector collaboration during a facility tour of NIWA projects and facilities in Lagos. The tour, led by the Board Chairman alongside Board members and the Managing Director of NIWA, Engr. Yusuf Gerie, took place at the NIWA Lagos Area Office, Marina on Wednesday.

Shagari said the visit was part of efforts to assess operations within the Lagos Area Office and identify areas requiring intervention to improve inland water transportation across the country. He noted that one of the first decisions taken by the newly inaugurated Board was to undertake a comprehensive review of NIWA infrastructure nationwide, with a view to rehabilitating dilapidated offices and jetties while expanding critical water transport infrastructure.

We have made provisions in our budget to address infrastructure challenges across our offices and jetties nationwide. We want all NIWA facilities to be functional, presentable and capable of supporting efficient service delivery,

— Mukhtar Shehu Shagari, Chairman, Governing Board, National Inland Waterways Authority

He added that the Board is committed to increasing the number of jetties across the country, particularly in Lagos, to support the growing demand for water transportation

Safety enforcement and removal of unsafe vessels

Addressing concerns over unregulated jetties and safety compliance, Shagari said NIWA was working closely with security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, to strengthen enforcement and ensure adherence to water transport regulations. He emphasized that safety compliance remains central to the Authority's efforts to improve the sector.

Shagari expressed concern over the continued use of old and unsafe boats by operators, describing many of the vessels currently in use as outdated and unsuitable for modern water transportation.

We are committed to phasing out unsafe vessels and replacing them with safer and more modern alternatives. The safety of Nigerians on our waterways remains a top priority,

— Mukhtar Shehu Shagari, Chairman, Governing Board, National Inland Waterways Authority

He said NIWA was exploring avenues for the procurement of modern vessels and would collaborate with indigenous boat builders and other stakeholders to improve the quality of water transport services across the country.

Funding and stakeholder collaboration

On funding, the Board Chairman acknowledged the importance of government support but stated that NIWA was actively pursuing strategies to improve its internally generated revenue through stronger stakeholder engagement and collaboration with relevant agencies. He noted that these measures are intended to strengthen operational capacity and service delivery.

He called for greater private sector participation in dredging, infrastructure development and water transportation services, noting that sustainable development of the waterways sector requires collective effort. The Authority plans to deepen collaboration frameworks to attract investment and enhance operational efficiency across corridors.

Economic benefits and stakeholder remarks

Highlighting the economic benefits of inland waterways transportation, Shagari said safer and more navigable waterways would reduce transportation costs, lower pressure on road infrastructure, facilitate the movement of goods and contribute to economic growth. He emphasized that improving safety and infrastructure would support broader economic activity nationwide.

Earlier, the Managing Director of NIWA, Engr. Yusuf Gerie, said the Board's visit was aimed at obtaining firsthand knowledge of activities within the Lagos Area Office and identifying measures to improve operations across Nigeria's inland waterways. Gerie commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for assembling a team of experienced professionals and technocrats to reposition the Authority and advance the Renewed Hope Agenda within the marine and blue economy sector.

In her welcome address, the Lagos Area Manager, Engr. Sarat Braimah, expressed appreciation to the Board Chairman, Board members and the Managing Director for the visit. She highlighted the strategic importance of Lagos to inland water transportation in Nigeria and noted that the Lagos Area Office remains committed to promoting safety, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency and infrastructure development on the nation's busiest waterways.

Delivering the vote of thanks, Board Member, Captain Tajudeen Alao, appreciated the media for their continued support and coverage of NIWA's activities. He called on water transport operators, security agencies, private investors and other stakeholders to collaborate with the Authority in its efforts to ensure safer, more efficient and sustainable inland waterways transportation, stressing that collective responsibility, compliance with safety regulations and sustained stakeholder support remain critical to achieving a safer inland waterways sector for all Nigerians.